Don't Look!

I had plans for supper.  Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.  When I pulled the meatloaf out of the oven when everyone finally got home...it wasn't done.  

So...dessert sounded good.  I had a wonderful and unplanned time with my hubby and youngest son laughing and talking at a local fast food place.  

Watching dynamics behind the counter gave us lots to talk about.   Life, character and goal setting were topics as well as some others that only two men can find humorous so I won't share here...  

Sidenote:I'm amazed at my husband who can go from a philosophical and insightful conversation to one... not so insightful!

Coming home we saw a homeless man walking up to a store which led to another discussion about our choices when we see someone in need.  

Do we care?  Do we have compassion or suddenly become distracted by something the other direction?  How must that feel to them-to walk through life having others look away?

It is easy isn't it to turn our eyes from pain and need.  To look away.  In a humorous way we talked about what if Jesus acted the way we did sometimes.  

I can't imagine Jesus looking away when the disciples lowered their friend into their midst or stepping over the women that touched the hem of his garment.   Jesus always asked what they wanted him to do and didn't just go barging in and taking over. I don't remember Him running the lady in the street down to pray for her. But He also didn't avert his eyes or his attention.  

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14 

Can you imagine Jesus standing on the hillside and saying, "Go to church. This is not my job. Or I'm busy."  Nor do I believe he was  a wimpy push over because He also went away alone to have time with just him and His Father.  He said, "Hey, do you want to get better?" and then proceeded to tell them how.  

He saw.  He had compassion.  He respected.  He saw past that initial cry to the deeper one of the heart.

I've been told many times, "Don't look. Look the other way or don't pay attention to them."  

Aren't I supposed to be like Jesus? What if I keep looking away and soon I won't feel anything?  What if by not looking they become invisible to me?  What if my heart gets so hard that I can't care? 

Both sides of the spectrum are dangerous in my mind. 

Not thinking and Not feeling!!!